Tag: cyber bullying

Most research on cyber bullying has focused on adolescents. But a new study that examined cell phone ownership among children in third to fifth grades indicates they may be particularly vulnerable to cyber bullying.

The study abstract titled, ‘Cell Phone Ownership and Cyber bullying of children aged between eight and 11 years-old children: New Research’, will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Chicago.

Researchers collected survey data on 4,584 students in grades three, four and five between 2014 and 2016. Overall, 9.5 per cent of children reported falling victims of cyber bullying. Children who owned cell phones were significantly more likely to report being a victim of cyber bullying, especially in grades three and four.

“Parents often cite the benefits of giving their child a cell phone, but our research suggests that giving young children these devices may have unforeseen risks as well,” said Elizabeth K. Englander, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Mass.

Across all three grades, 49.6 per cent of students reported owning a cell phone. The older the student, the more likely to report cell phone ownership: 59.8 per cent of fifth graders, 50.6 per cent of fourth graders, and 39.5 per cent of third graders reported owning their own cell phone.

Cell phone owners in grades three and four were more likely to report being victims of cyber bullying. Across all three grades, more cell phone owners admitted they have been a cyber bully themselves.

According to the researchers, the increased risk of cyber bullying related to phone ownership could be tied to increased opportunity and vulnerability. Continuous access to social media and texting increases online interactions, provides more opportunities to engage both positively and negatively with peers, and increases the chance of an impulsive response to peers’ postings and messages.

Englander suggests that this research is a reminder for parents to consider the risks as well as the benefits when deciding whether to provide their elementary school-aged child with a cell phone.

“At the very least, parents can engage in discussions and education with their child about the responsibilities inherent in owning a mobile device, and the general rules for communicating in the social sphere,” Englander said.